Photo Advice

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 10:21 AM

Photo Advice

Good morning! Anyone have any experience with Glenmar Photographers? If so, are they expensive, good, etc? Thanks!

merf99 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 10:51 AM

Re: Photo Advice

I originally booked with them after being almost forced into it by the woman there but then changed my mind. Their prices are VERY good and I know people who have been satisfied but I also know ALOT of people who have been unsatisfied. So far I can tell you their customer service SUCKS and their sales tactics are even worse. I was told that i HAD to book that day because my photographer would be booked tomorrow and he already had contracts for him. But then again, that's what they tell alot of people! UUUGH- don't even get me started on them!! Beware!

endlessluv429 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:00 AM

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I Was wondering about them for video not photo?? any advice

merf99 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:02 AM

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They showed me a video and I thought it was okay but I told them I wanted like slow motion and alot of black and white and they shooed me off and were like yeah yeah we can do that- you're just not seeing on this one. And I asked to see another video and they said next t ime you come in!

endlessluv429 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:06 AM

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thanks

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:13 AM

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Thanks is right! I will not be booking them!

merf99 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:20 AM

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Sorry to deter anyone but I wouldn't want you to go through what I went through with them. I do know people who have liked them but like I said more people who DON'T like them. They have a few complaints with the Better Business Bureau about them too, just FYI. I saw alot of other photographers so if you need opinions about any others, let me know!

Valenia Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:29 AM

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I have a friend who used them for her August wedding, and she also was not very pleased with the customer service.

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:35 AM

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Since Glenmar is out, would anyone recommend Cassarino in Whitestone? Prices? Reputation? Any advice?

Dawn5403 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:41 AM

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I agree with merf completely! The owner (i think) barry, met with me and FH and FH liked the price and the work and the fact that they were recommended by my hall. I hated that guy! and price or no price I would not give my business to someone who resorts to that type of salesmanship. Honestly, does he think we are a bunch of stupid niave females? please!! I was appauled at his pushy attitute and we negotiated a price but I was not willing to commit that day. I told him I had other appointments and would commit by the next week. The 'price' was only good for that day!!! PLEASE.
additionally, I didn't like the way he spoke to a young lady in front of us. Also when we spoke of other photographers, he made negative comments about them. I do not appreciate that sort of tactic. Bad business, bad attitude.

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:49 AM

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Yes, PLEASE give me advice on who we should go to see. We don't want to spend too much money; yet, we don't want crap pictures either. Thanks for your help!

merf99 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 11:57 AM

Re: Photo Advice

Dawn is SO right. That guy is a jerk and they also told us that they prices would be different if we left! We wound up going with Jovon who I know people say are really expensive but we were able to bargain with them and are paying what I think is a little more than average for what we are getting. I also looked at Spelman Studios who I liked but their package was even more than Jovon's! I liked Celebration Studios too- they have a NYC office and they were very reasonable! Cassarino is recommended by my hall and alot of people like them. I also looked at a smaller guy- Jardin who's work I LOVED but he was a little arrogant. If you can get past that he seems excellent!

Dawn5403 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 12:13 PM

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We chose an independent guy, seems really nice, but I got his name from someone on the knot when we first started the planning. I called and met with a lot of photographers and I was very tempted to spend the $$$ for an awesome photographer, but we just couldn't rationalize the prices we were getting. Hes a nice guy and is work seems good. but I have no first hand recomendation or experience. I can let you know after may 4th! If you want his info, FM me and you can meet with him and see for yourself. Truth be told, I've entertained ideas about changing photog. (especially after I see so many beautiful pics on here) Our guy may not be the most artistic, but his prices were very reasonable and his work is definitely not crap. it's average, I think. everyone has their own ideas of what they want.

My advise, research, get prices, know what you want in a package and try to negotiate. take a deep breath and do not rush. go with what feels comfortable and right. I have also looked into Rick & Co. for photography and have a friend who was happy with his work. If I remember he was fairly reasonable too.

Valenia Posted: Jan 23, 2003 12:17 PM

Re: Photo Advice

The least expensive photographer I met with who I thought would be good to work with was Paul Marino. He is such a nice guy, and he packages were affordable. Heres a link to his web site if you'd like some info: http://www.paulmarinophotography.com

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 12:50 PM

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Thank you guys so much! I really appreciate this; I gues we'll check out Cassarino and a few others. What's the typical questinos to ask them? What should they 'include' and what is a typical pckg?

cw0904 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 01:04 PM

Re: Photo Advice

Here is my list of questions I used.

1. Will you personally be the photographer for our wedding?

2. If the answer is no: When can we meet the photographer whose work I'm seeing so I can see if I feel comfortable with that person/ see if we are on the same wavelength?

3. If you are not talking to the photographer, also ask: If the photographer we want no longer works for your studio when our wedding comes up, what will you do?

4. If you are talking to the photographer: Are you a full-time photographer?

5. What kind of equipment do you use?

6. Have backup equipment?

7. Do traditional and photojournalistic / b/w?

8. Additional photographer/is it a lighting assistant or both? Additional Fee?

9. What time do you arrive to setup your equipment?

10. Hours of service: We would like you to stay till the the last dance not just the cake cutting.

11. How do you know how many pictures to take?

12. Do you have insurance?

13. How long for posed formals?

14. What are your policies regarding proofs? And how many provide? Where is the watermark?

15. What are your policies regarding negatives? And can I use them to make reprints myself?

16. What are your policies regarding delivery times?

17. When is the deposit due?

18. May I make partial payments?

19. When is the final payment due?

20. Is gratuity included in the price?

21. What percentage are the taxes?

22. What is the overtime charge? And when does it start?

23. Are there any additional charges not mentioned?

24. What are the refunds/cancellation terms?

25. When do we see our first round of proofs

26. Engagement Shoot included?

27. Parents albums? And folios what is the difference?

28. Album: What styles of albums do you have?

29. How many pictures in album? Can I customize it?

30. If we want additional photos after the contract has been signed and we are setting up our albums and want more 8x10's… how much are these additional copies?

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 01:36 PM

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Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it

michele31 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 02:19 PM

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What price range are you looking in and what type of photos do you want? We can recommend lots of places based on those answers.
Also ask what the policy is if the photographer is sick or has an emergency?

Rob-luvs-me Posted: Jan 23, 2003 02:22 PM

Minniebride you have FM

minniebride14 Posted: Jan 23, 2003 02:36 PM

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I suppose we want to spend around $3,000. I'm just not familiar with what a standard package should provide, if the proofs should be stamped (I understand some don't stamp them) and if anything is extra (like black and white).